Jake Epstein has already made a name for himself on television, with lead roles in The Zack Files and Degrassi: The Next Generation. It’s safe to say that the 24-year-old actor is making a name for himself on stage as well. He graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada back in 2008 and has since appeared in a number of theatre productions. Epstein starred as Melchior (a role originated by Glee’s Jonathan Groff) on last year’s national tour of Spring Awakening. He also appeared in the Toronto production of the Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical this past summer.

The Canadian actor will be playing one of the leads in the upcoming national tour of American Idiot -- the Green Day musical that picked up two Tony Awards last year. Shalom Life chats with Epstein about theatre and his new role in the rock-infused play, which will be kicking off its tour in Toronto on Dec. 28.

What drew you to American Idiot?

When I was 13 years old I went to see Green Day at the Hershey Centre in Missisauga, Ontario with my best friend at the time, Daniel Abrams. We were graduating Junior High school and felt like kings. This was the first live concert I’d ever seen in my life. It was a magical night. Green Day opened my eyes to a world of rock 'n' roll, screaming electric guitars, and the energy of a live show. Since that night I’ve wanted to be the band on that stage that I saw. That’s what drew me to American Idiot.

How would you describe your character?

I’m playing Will, a dude from the suburbs who is looking to make something of himself, along with his two best friends, Johnny and Tunny. The three have a plan to go to the city, but right before they’re set to go Will’s girlfriend tells him she is pregnant and so he stays behind to be a father. Will spends the musical dealing with his girlfriend, their baby, and the demons that go along with being “left behind."

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The last time you appeared on Degrassi was in the TV movie Degrassi Goes Hollywood. Would you like to revisit your character again?

It really feels like a closed chapter of my life. I did it until the end and loved it. And I’ve moved on.

...But to wind things up, let’s hit the hardest rock sounds yet, with Green Day and the hit musical made from their iconic album, American Idiot. It launches its national tour here in Toronto, at the TCA, with a run from Dec. 28 through Jan. 6.

The staging is truly amazing, the music will blow you away and local favourite Jake Epstein is the lone Canadian in the cast. Show up to wish him a happy New Year (5040 Yonge St.; 416-644-3665).

I forgot about this! Posted just in time for Halloween. Jake plays the zombie ex-boyfriend of a character in this short film. It's a small part...but it's a hilarious video. Who doesn't love zombies? Especially ones that dance?

Jake Epstein realized as a young child that his passion was in the performing arts and he has been pursuing this passion ever since.

Growing up, young Jake took part in many extra-curricular activities including karate, soccer, tennis, music and acting. However, it was a family summer tradition that ultimately helped him to choose his destiny.

“When I was young, my parents would drive my older sister, Gabi, and I to New York every summer to catch a Broadway play,” he explained. “Seeing those actors perform on that stage, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Raised in North York, Mr. Epstein fondly recalls spending every Friday in Thornhill.

“All my aunts and uncles live in Thornhill and so our Friday night dinners would alternate between the homes of different aunts and uncles,” said Mr. Epstein.

“I have great childhood memories just hanging out with my cousins in Thornhill.”

In June, the now 24-year-old had the opportunity to spend more quality time with his cousins as he was filming on location in Thornhill on a new Canadian drama called Blood Pressure.

“It’s an independent film and a very interesting movie based around a dysfunctional family,” Mr. Epstein described.